Since 1990, breast cancer mortality has been reduced by 40% thanks in large part to mammography. However, as of 2021, 24% of women in the United States aged 50-74 did not receive a mammogram within 2 years. So, what prevents women who are a part of the 24% from being screened? The answer lies largely in the lack of education that these women are receiving on this topic. In this article, you will learn essential information about mammograms to help you or a loved one make informed decisions about their health.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used to detect
and diagnose abnormalities in the breast. During the procedure, the breast is
compressed between two plates to spread the tissue, allowing for clearer images
with lower radiation doses. While mammograms are prominently used to detect
cancer, they can also find benign abnormalities such as calcifications and
noncancerous cysts. If a doctor suspects finding cancer in the breast, however,
they will perform a biopsy to determine the final diagnosis.
Why are mammograms important?
As previously mentioned, the implementation of mammography
significantly decreased breast cancer mortality rates in the United States,
primarily due to its ability to detect tumors early in their development—tumors
that cannot be felt during a physical examination. By identifying these
cancerous areas early, treatment can begin sooner, leading to higher survival
rates. In addition to detecting cancer, mammograms also identify other
abnormalities, such as calcifications or noncancerous cysts, that, while not cancerous,
still require medical attention.
Are mammograms safe?
Safety concerns about mammograms typically stem from their
dose of radiation. However, while a mammogram does expose the patient to
radiation, the benefits of screening for breast cancer far outweigh this risk.
On average, a mammogram provides a dose of 0.4 mSv of radiation, which is
roughly equivalent to the amount of radiation a person is naturally exposed to
over seven weeks. Furthermore, radiation exposure would need to range from
100-1000 mSv in one year to present a significant risk for cancer. Thus, the
minimal radiation from a mammogram is a small price to pay for the potential to
save a life.
Do I need a mammogram?
Women should regularly examine their breasts for any abnormalities, such as lumps, nipple discharge, changes in breast shape or size, or alterations in skin colour or texture. Anyone who suspects finding any of these abnormalities should be screened by a medical professional as soon as possible. Moreover, the US Preventative Service Task Force recommends that women aged 40-74 receive mammograms every two years. If you fall into one of these categories, MammogramMe provides mammography services free of charge, ensuring that all women have access to this essential screening.
American Cancer Society (2022). Breast Cancer Mammogram | How Does a Mammogram Work? [online] www.cancer.org. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/mammogram-basics.html.
American College of Radiology (n.d.). Mammography Saves Lives. [online] www.acr.org. Available at: https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Practice-Toolkit/Patient-Resources/Mammography-Saves-Lives.
Cancer.gov. (2019). Breast Cancer Screening | Cancer Trends Progress Report. [online] Available at: https://progressreport.cancer.gov/detection/breast_cancer.
USPSTF (2024). Breast cancer: Screening. [online] Uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Available at: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening.
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